Celebrate Odisha Day 2023 with these lip-smacking traditional Odia dishes

April 1 marks Odisha Day, also known as Utkala Dibasa, the day the state was formed in 1936. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state, with people decorating their homes and public places with flags, banners, and flowers in the colours of the flag of the state to celebrate Odisha’s rich culture and heritage. And what better way to celebrate than with delicious traditional Odia dishes?

Here are some of the must-try cuisines on the occasion of Odisha Day:

The Maha Prasad: It is a sacred food served at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. It consists of khichdi, a mixture of rice and lentils cooked with vegetables and spices, as well as dal, mixed vegetables, and desserts such as rasgulla and pudding. It is served on banana leaves.


Pakhala: It is a traditional Odia dish made by cooking rice soaked in water, often left overnight. The water used to soak the rice is called Torani, which is lightly fermented and provides a sour taste to the dish. People add curd, cumin seeds, cucumber, and curry leaves to enhance the taste. It is usually served with a variety of side dishes, including fish fry, vegetable dishes, or roasted tomatoes.

Santula: It is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish made by stir-frying a variety of vegetables including potatoes, pumpkin, eggplant, and beans with panch phoron. It is light and easy to digest, making it a popular choice for lunch or dinner. Santula is generally served with steamed rice and dal. It's simple yet delicious flavor has made it a favorite among people.

Cheena Poda: This is a popular sweet dish made from paneer, sugar and cardamom powder. This dish is baked in an earthen pot till it turns golden brown, which gives it a unique smoky flavour.

Kora Khai: This is a tempting sweet prepared from chenna (cottage cheese), sugar, and cardamom powder. This sweet dish is shaped into small balls and fried until they become golden brown, giving it a soft interior and a crispy exterior.

On this Odisha Day, celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Odisha by indulging in these lip-smacking traditional Odia dishes with your family and friends.

FAQs

Q1. What is Utkala Dibasa or Odisha Day, and how is it celebrated?
Utkala Dibasa, also known as Odisha Day, is celebrated on April 1 every year to mark the formation of the state of Odisha in India. In 1936, Odisha became an independent state after being separated from the combined province of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Q2. What is the capital of Odisha?
The capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar.